Hearts God Can Use
Well, mercy me, friend, look at you wanderin’ up on this ol’ front porch like a curious ol’ raccoon that finally decided to behave itself for once. Come on up here and mind that ol’ goat in the yard that thinks it is the boss around here. Now, grab yourself a comfy rocker and let the breeze settle your thoughts because we’re about to step into a truth that can steady your heart faster than a fresh jar of bread and butter pickles coolin’ on a windowsill. Psalm 57:7 says, “My heart is confident in you, O God. My heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises.” And Psalm 147:11 tells us, “The Lord takes pleasure in those that fear Him, in those that hope in His mercy.” God plum delights in ordinary folks who downright trust Him enough to let Him do extraordinary things.
David sho’-nuff’ fit that description. He plum came from humble beginnin’s, smelled a whole lot like sheep, and was overlooked by nearly everyone. Yet God used him to topple giants, write psalms, lead armies, and rule a nation. David’s story reminds us that God don’t go huntin’ for the fanciest ol’ rooster in the coop. He looks for hearts that lean His way.
And let me tell you, friend, God loves usin’ ordinary people. Paul learned that when he begged God to remove that thorn in his flesh. Instead, God said, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness,” in 2 Corinthians 12:9. Weakness ain’t no liability. It’s a real spotlight for God’s strength.
God also uses spiritually focused people. David kept his eyes on God, not on the size of his problems. And God uses real content people, too. David tended sheep with the same faithfulness he later used to lead a kingdom. Contentment ain’t settlin’. It’s sho’-nuff’ trustin’ that God knows exactly where to place you.
Father, help us be ordinary enough to be usable, focused enough to stay faithful, and content enough to bloom wherever You plant us. Make our hearts confident in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Well, bless my sweet tea and git yourself one of them tea cakes to take along with you, friend, I’m pleased you stopped by for a lil’ ol’ spell. As you step off this porch and git yourself back into your day, let your confidence rise like a golden sunrise over a quiet pasture. You’ve gotta be lettin’ your faith stand real steady like an ol’ oak tree that has seen generations of family passing through. You’ve gotta be lettin’ your contentment settle sweetly, the way dew rests on mornin’ grass. And you’ve gotta be makin’ up your mind to be walkin’ forward ready for God to use you in ways that make heaven smile. Now go on, friend, and let the Good Lord do somethin’ mighty extraordinary through you.
With joy,
Gwen
